Recession-friendly restaurant lets you eat cheap

(WMC-TV) - The owner of a Mississippi restaurant is dropping prices to keep customers coming in.

When Galvin Mah opened the Brisk Buffet in downtown Olive Branch earlier this year, he knew he had to do something different.

"I don't have a lot of money, so every dollar is crucial," he said.

According to Mah, in a tough economy, he has to do what he can to make ends meet. That's why he's offering something for every taste bud and budget.

"The $7 buffet is all-you-can-eat, but you can get a $3 soup bar, which is all-you-can-eat with bread," he said. "And for those who are really on a tough budget, we have a $1 all-you-can-eat hot dog, or a $1 all-you-can-eat red beans and rice."

Mah cooks everything from scratch either in a crock pot or toaster oven. He is the only paid employee at the restaurant, and does all the work himself.

"You don't make a lot of money on the $1 deal, but you bring traffic in, and it's a way for me to compete with the fast foods," he said.

Mah even built the table and benches customers sit on to help keep costs down.

"If you just go to Home Depot and get the wood and glue it and put it together, you can do it," he said.

It's proof that even when times get tough, a dream and passion for helping others is still possible.

"This is America. You got food. Somebody's hungry and starving in your neighborhood...you should help them," he said.